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Computer Assembly PDF
Computer Assembly PDF
Assembling computers is a large part of a technician’s job. As a technician, you will need to work in a logical,
methodical manner when working with computer components. As with any learned trade, your computer
assembly skills will improve dramatically with practice.
Open the Case
Computer cases are produced in a variety of form factors. Form factors refer to the size and shape of the case.
Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case. There should be adequate lighting, good ventilation,
and a comfortable room temperature. The workbench or table should be accessible from all sides. Avoid
cluttering the surface of the workbench or table with tools and computer components. An antistatic mat on the
table will help prevent physical and electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to equipment. Small containers can be
used to hold small screws and other parts as they are being removed.
There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how to open a particular computer case, consult the user
manual or the manufacturer’s website. Most computer cases are opened in one of the following ways:
• The computer case cover can be removed as one piece.
• The top and side panels of the case can be removed.
• The top of the case may need to be removed before the side panels can be removed.
• Tool-less entries allow technicians to enter a case without the use of tools.
CPU
The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU and motherboard,
make sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. You should wear an antistatic wrist strap while
working with these components. Key electrostatic-sensitive components include the following:
• CPUs
• Motherboards
• RAM
• Expansion cards
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• Hard disk drive electronics
Caution
When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any time.
The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly. The CPU sockets today are zero
insertion force (ZIF) sockets. You should be familiar with the locking assembly before attempting to install a CPU
into the socket on the motherboard. Orient the missing pin in the corner of the CPU to the missing hole on the
socket.
Thermal compound helps to conduct heat away from the CPU.
Caution
Silver-oxide thermal compound is toxic. Use rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
It does not take very much compound to fill the space between the CPU and heat sink. If you use too much it will
leak onto the motherboard.
When you are installing a used CPU, clean the CPU and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol. Doing
this removes all traces of old thermal compound. The surfaces are now ready for a new layer of thermal
compound. Follow all manufacturer recommendations about applying the thermal compound.
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Figure 3-4: Heat Sink/Fan Assembly on the Motherboard
Follow these instructions for CPU and heat sink/fan assembly installation:
Step 1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU socket. Doing this
ensures that the orientation notches on the CPU are aligned with the orientation keys on the CPU socket.
Step 2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.
Step 3. Close the CPU load plate and secure it in place by closing the load lever and moving it under the load
lever retention tab.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU and spread it evenly. Follow the application
instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Step 5. Align the heat sink/fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard.
Step 6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful not to pinch the CPU fan wires.
Step 7. Tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.
Step 8. Connect the heat sink/fan assembly power cable to the header on the motherboard.
RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is operating. RAM is volatile memory,
which means that its contents are lost when the computer is shut down.
Typically, more RAM will enhance the performance of your computer.
Caution
If you use screws that are too long, you may damage the drive you are mounting.
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Figure 3-6: PCIe Network Interface Card
Caution
Do not use a Molex connector and a SATA power connector on the same drive at the same time. It will prevent the drive
from working properly.
Reattach the Side Panels and Connect External Cables to the Computer:
Reattach the Side Panels to the Case
Most computer cases have two panels, one on each side. Some computer cases have one three-sided cover that
slides down over the case frame.
When the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw locations. Some computer cases use screws
that are inserted with a screwdriver. Other cases have knob-type screws that can be tightened by hand. Tool-less
cases simply “click” closed.
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If you are unsure about how to remove or replace the computer case, refer to the documentation or website of the
manufacturer for more information.
Caution
Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have sharp or jagged edges.
When attaching cables, ensure that they are connected to the correct locations on the computer. For example,
some mouse and keyboard cables use the same type of PS/2 connector.
Note
If Pin 1 on the floppy drive data cable is not aligned with Pin 1 on the drive connector, the floppy drive does not
function. This misalignment does not damage the drive, but the drive activity light displays continuously. To fix
this problem, turn off the computer and reconnect the data cable so that Pin 1 on the cable and Pin 1 on the
connector are aligned. Reboot the computer.
Caution
When attaching cables, never force a connection.
Note
Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other cables.
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Identify Beep Codes
POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning,
an error or a beep code alerts the technician that there is a problem. Typically, a single beep denotes that the
computer is functioning properly. If there is a hardware problem, the computer might emit a series of beeps. Each
BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems. Table 3-1 shows a sample chart of beep
codes. The beep codes for your computer might be different. Consult the motherboard documentation to view
beep codes for your computer.